CPO survey reveals procurement skills fears

An international survey of Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs) has revealed that more than half are concerned about the lack of vital skills within their teams.

The Deloitte Global CPO Survey 2014, in association with Odgers Berndtson, quizzed 239 chief procurement officers on subjects such as business engagement, risk, technology and talent. Among its key findings was that 57% of CPOs feel their teams lack the skills needed to deliver their procurement strategy – up from 48% in 2013.

Furthermore, 49% of respondents claim the market for recruiting talent has become "more constrained" over the last year, making it difficult to bring these vital skills into the business.

Filling the skills gap

The skills CPOs highlighted as most lacking included:

• Leadership
• Influence
• Communication
• Relationship building

This echoes the European Institute of Purchasing Management's predictions that soft skills would be vital for procurement jobs in 2015.

However, with just 13% investing in training as a top priority, and the majority of that training focussing on technical skills rather than soft skills, it seems unlikely the gap will be filled in the immediate future.

The survey also found that 30% of CPOs intend to increase the level of outsourcing in their teams over the next 12 months, particularly in operational and transactional activities. Meanwhile, 46% said their existing outsourcing strategy has been effective in reducing costs.

Find your next role with Portfolio Procurement

Portfolio Procurement is a recruitment agency specialising in searching for talented individuals to fill category management, sourcing, buying and procurement jobs.

For assistance securing talent for your team, call Pat Law on 020 7650 3191. Alternatively, browse the procurement vacancies we currently have available and apply online.